JD 4520 Bent Bucket

[Nashville]

I picked up a sweetheart deal on this 4520 with a 400x loader. As you can see from the attached pic, the 40 hours on the clock were hard on the bucket. Otherwise, she's pristine. Any advice on how to persuade the top lip back into position would be appreciated. I've been told not to heat it, and to be careful about bending the bottom while trying to straighten the top. Thanks!

 

[arlen4720]

I picked up a sweetheart deal on this 4520 with a 400x loader. As you can see from the attached pic, the 40 hours on the clock were hard on the bucket. Otherwise, she's pristine. Any advice on how to persuade the top lip back into position would be appreciated. I've been told not to heat it, and to be careful about bending the bottom while trying to straighten the top. Thanks!

View attachment 295615

I would try bottle jacks and blocks of wood.

 

[ENC]

I would try tilting the bucket down to get the bottom lip out of the way then putting the bent part over a fence post and using the loader to straighten the top. You will probably need someone to help watch.

 

[dusty3030]

I would try bottle jacks and blocks of wood.

This!! I second the motion -

 

[Bob77064]

You could try a small body shop or a welding shop, then you spray some paint on it.

 

[grsthegreat]

I had the exact same thing happen to mine when i was younger and stupider than i am today, and wrapped a chain around the bucket to lift something too heavy. i used a bottle jack and piece of wood...worked fine. there was still a minor, nearly unnoticeable crinkle when i was done. JD sells touch up spray paint.

 

[SHORT KID]

I would use a 6x6 top and bottom with a heavy jack.It may still have a wrinkle in it but should be ok. It must be nice to trade or sell your tractor when you make a boo boo!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bigfoot62]

I agree with the jack procedure. Large block of wood on the bottom, to spread out the pressure and keep from making another problem.

It's really not that bad. I've done worse, and seen a LOT worse.

 

[Nashville]

Thanks for all the input! I went with pressure treated 2x10s to distribute the weight, and a 12 ton bottle jack. Popped it right back into place like it never even happened. Straight as an arrow. Thanks guys!

 

[JD 4520]

Nice buy, great machine.

 

[texasjohn]

I don't think I'd be putting chain hooks on that light bucket.

 

[Deere Dude]

I wouldn't nix the chain hook idea just yet. They are generally located near the lift arms anyway and that shouldn't affect the center of the bucket. Consider having a heavy flat stock welded across the top, maybe 3/8" by 5 x the width of the bucket, and put hooks or receivers on that. It would be stronger than new. Just an idear.

 

[grsthegreat]

you can also weld a 3/16 - 1/4" plate along the top rib and add hooks. helps distribute the load.
i did that with my new tractor. a 3/16 on outside and one on inside.

 

[Ken]

you can also weld a 3/16 - 1/4" plate along the top rib and add hooks. helps distribute the load.
i did that with my new tractor. a 3/16 on outside and one on inside.View attachment 296145

Bought my 4520 knowing the bucket would be used to lift heavy loads of muck mud rocks or anything that could not lift with out strain on bucket.
Still new and removed from tractor turned it over . Cut a piece of grader blade and welded it to inside top of bucket. Also welded a piece along the bottom out side of bucket where in draging the wear would be on the grader blade. And after 1200 hours of working the bucket is still in good shape.
Soft strap metal will bend also
ken

 

[plowindeeper]

My also got bent when my brother borrowed it. He assumed it would push up a 3 foot oak stump. Brought it home when I was at work and curled bucket upside down so I would not see it. I could not get in touch with him for a month afterward.

After It's been bent It's hard to keep it from happening again.
I took mine an beefed it up (boxed top, 1/2" plate on sides, five 4" skids on bottom) This is my "Give it He**" bucket
It looked like crap it was bent so bad. So I went and bought a new heavy duty bucket just for looks and MY use.

 

[lbzduramax]

I like that ball on the bucket. I may have to borrow that idea!

 

[grsthegreat]

I like that ball on the bucket. I may have to borrow that idea!

i use it to maneuver a 30 foot gooseneck trailer into my shop. the shop has 4" of spare room in the back and 4" in the front...and about 4" for the roof.

Having the bucket mount ball allows me to accurately place the trailer in the shop.